Technology in itself is neither good nor bad. We need to be role models and teach our children how to keep Facebook friends and classroom friends, how to be safe in a chat room and biking to the neighbors, what to post on the internet and write on a job application. We must not be intimidated by their, in many cases, superior technology skills. Educators and parents should be open-minded enough to let our children and students teach us the technology while we teach them how to implement it safely and in a way that will enhance their academic and social lives. The best way to teach balance is to practice it ourselves. This summer I feel like I'm constantly telling my son, who just turned 12, to get off of his i-touch. Then as I found myself thinking about modeling balance I realized I'm regularly checking email, texting, browsing the internet and editing photos from my phone; it is always within my reach. I need to reflect on my own usage to better model how to 'disconnect' to my boys.
I encourage my own children and my students to make use of the vast resources of the digital libraries including audio books. However, I also share the joys of turning the worn pages of an oft read favorite. There is a special connection with a paper copy that can't always be replicated with an e-reader. Similarly, I enjoy technology, but I also love the outdoors. We can help our Digital Natives by getting them outside and away from the lure of the electronic screen. Their brains are used to lots of input, so given the choice they will likely pick video games or online chatting over a hike, but don't give them the choice. Once they are unplugged they can enjoy the sound of birds, shade of tall trees, and time to really connect with family.
As much as technology has changed the world some things remain constant. Children, Digital Natives or not, crave genuine and meaningful connections with parent, peers, and teachers. Technology has not replaced us as the role models for our children, and it never will.
Asmith@ges
I encourage my own children and my students to make use of the vast resources of the digital libraries including audio books. However, I also share the joys of turning the worn pages of an oft read favorite. There is a special connection with a paper copy that can't always be replicated with an e-reader. Similarly, I enjoy technology, but I also love the outdoors. We can help our Digital Natives by getting them outside and away from the lure of the electronic screen. Their brains are used to lots of input, so given the choice they will likely pick video games or online chatting over a hike, but don't give them the choice. Once they are unplugged they can enjoy the sound of birds, shade of tall trees, and time to really connect with family.
As much as technology has changed the world some things remain constant. Children, Digital Natives or not, crave genuine and meaningful connections with parent, peers, and teachers. Technology has not replaced us as the role models for our children, and it never will.
Asmith@ges